Gear targets All Blacks return

After impressive with a double in the Barbarians' 39-29 win over England at Twickenham, Hosea Gear revealed his Test ambitions.

After impressive with a double in the Barbarians' 39-29 win over England at Twickenham, Hosea Gear revealed his Test ambitions.

The former Highlanders and Hurricanes wing has spent the last with Toulouse in the Top 14, but is now embarking for Japan before returning to Super Rugby next year in a bid to make the Rugby World Cup squad.

Gear showcased his trademark power and pace with two smart tries against England for the Barbarians, before discussing his plans for the next few months.

"From here I'm headed to Japan for one season, then I'm heading home in February to play Super Rugby to give myself the opportunity to challenge for the World Cup," said Gear.

"I played 33 matches, 80 minutes each one this season, but I think I needed some, looking ahead towards the World Cup, I think I needed some top-level, international class football.

"I think these two games gave me the opportunity to do that, so I was more than happy, I'm feeling good and I don't feel like I need a rest.

"I spoke to Steve Hansen before I left, I mentioned the possibility that I could come back and he was all for that, he said 'make sure you do come back'.

"At the same time it will probably help create a little bit more depth in New Zealand rugby for the World Cup if anything happens.

"So that was the last time I heard. And for me it's going to be a massive challenge.

"The outside backs they've got at the moment have been doing an awesome job, and there's probably no reason to leave any one of them out.

"It's a huge challenge, but one I'm looking forward to.

"I'm not sure which club it will be yet in Super Rugby, but hopefully I'll know by the end of July, once there's a bit more down-time for the coaches."

As for the Barbarians - who ended a run of dismal defeats with an entertaining victory over England's depleted squad - Gear was delighted to secure an important win for the club and to prove the team was still an important part of the modern game.

"This is a unique side, a side that's very difficult to put together, considering the seasons in different countries, and just trying to field an international side," added Gear.

"One thing we spoke about as soon as we got together was that we needed to win, and that the way the public were perceiving the side was that it could have gone either way - if we'd continued to lose it's almost a waste of time having a Barbarians side.

"So for us it was really important to win.

"The team can hold its place in the modern game: we set out to try to keep the Barbarians club alive."